4 more dengue fever cases found in Martin County

In the Western Hemisphere, the Aedes aegypti (pronounced edis egyp-tie) mosquito is the main transmitter of dengue viruses. In some cases, the Aedes albopictus mosquito, pictured here, has also transmitted the disease.

Martin and St. Lucie counties' health departments issued a health alert Friday for dengue fever after state officials confirmed four more cases of the mosquito-borne disease.

That brings the total of locally acquired cases in the Rio and Jensen Beach area to 11 this month, according to Renay Rouse of the Martin County Health Department.

Of the cases, seven are Martin County residents and four are St. Lucie residents.

Dengue fever is a disease transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito, not person to person.

In the Western Hemisphere, the Aedes aegypti mosquito is the main transmitter of dengue viruses. In some cases, the Aedes albopictus mosquito has also transmitted the disease.

Both of these mosquitoes are found in large numbers in Martin and St. Lucie counties.

It is estimated there are more than 100 million cases of dengue worldwide each year.

Mosquito Control in Martin County is continuing to inspect and treat properties in the affected areas. They've sprayed the areas using trucks and a plane.

Inspectors have been going door-to-door in neighborhoods, distributing educational materials, looking for mosquito breeding containers and treating containers by hand.

Local health department officials urge people to be sure they do not have any standing water on their properties or in any items on their properties.

Draining standing water will help stop mosquitoes from multiplying, officials said.

PERSONAL PROTECTION

Clothing: Wear shoes, socks and long pants and long sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.

Repellent: Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are effective.

Netting: Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.